India's agriculture sector is at a pivotal moment as stakeholders advocate for a shared responsibility approach in transitioning to regenerative agriculture. This shift is crucial for sustainable farming practices that enhance climate resilience and biodiversity.
Integrated Solutions for Sustainable Farming
At a recent conference organized by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII FACE) in Delhi, experts discussed pathways for transforming India's food systems. The conference, titled 'India’s Transition to Regenerative Agriculture: Policy, Partnerships, and Pathways', emphasized the need for integrated solutions that align policy frameworks, market incentives, and technological innovations.
Saswati Bora, Global Director of Regenerative Food Systems at TNC, stated, "Transforming food systems demands the integration of science and knowledge, market incentives, and sustained financing working in concert." This approach is exemplified by TNC's PRANA program, which operates in 18 districts and 6,826 villages in Punjab.
Building Trust and Infrastructure
Marc De Sousa Shields, Country Director at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, highlighted the importance of trust in markets, institutions, and infrastructure for successful transition. "At scale, regenerative agriculture depends on three pillars of trust that farmers need," he said.
"When all this comes together, transition becomes possible," Shields added, emphasizing India's potential to lead in sustainable agriculture.
Expanding PRANA's Reach
The conference concluded with a commitment to expand PRANA's reach and integrate its learnings into broader agricultural practices. Sushil Saigal, Interim Managing Director of Nature Conservancy India Solutions, noted the importance of partnerships forged during the event.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conference | India’s Transition to Regenerative Agriculture |
| Organizers | TNC, CII FACE |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Program | PRANA |
Outlook and Future Steps
The transition to regenerative agriculture in India is poised to gain momentum with the support of integrated systems and stakeholder collaboration. Upcoming data releases from the USDA and FAO will provide further insights into global agricultural trends and their implications for India.
